CVE-2007-5054 in iziContents
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in iziContents 1 RC6 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the gsLanguage parameter to (1) search/search.php, (2) poll/inlinepoll.php, (3) poll/showpoll.php, (4) links/showlinks.php, or (5) links/submit_links.php in modules/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5054 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting iziContents version 1 RC6 and earlier installations. This vulnerability resides within the web application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the gsLanguage parameter that is processed across multiple module files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the scope of file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of URL parameters, where an attacker can supply a malicious URL in the gsLanguage parameter, leading to the inclusion of remote files containing malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in the context of PHP's include or require functions, which are commonly used to dynamically load files based on user input. When the iziContents application processes the gsLanguage parameter without proper validation, it allows an attacker to specify a remote URL that gets included and executed as PHP code. The affected files search/search.php, poll/inlinepoll.php, poll/showpoll.php, links/showlinks.php, and links/submit_links.php all share this vulnerability because they all accept the gsLanguage parameter and process it through unsafe file inclusion mechanisms. This creates a widespread impact across multiple functional modules of the application, amplifying the potential damage. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to any remote attacker with knowledge of the application's structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation allows for arbitrary code execution, which can lead to data theft, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to the integrity and availability of the web application itself, as malicious code execution can corrupt application files or render the system unusable. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of code through various means including web shells. The impact extends beyond immediate exploitation as the compromised server can be used for hosting malicious content, conducting phishing campaigns, or serving as a command and control center for other attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. This includes whitelisting acceptable values, implementing strict parameter validation, and ensuring that any file inclusion operations use absolute paths instead of user-controllable input. The application should also be updated to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability, as iziContents 1 RC7 and later versions contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the potential impact of exploitation. Security measures such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect such vulnerabilities during development and deployment phases, ensuring that similar issues do not persist in future versions of the software.